The Swiss authorities say the way has finally been cleared for the return to the Philippines of more than five-hundred million dollars deposited in banks in Switzerland by the late president, Ferdinand Marcos.

The highest court in Switzerland has rejected last-minute appeals by members of the Marcos family.

The Swiss police said they were pleased the case was being closed and the money returned.

The government in Manila say the money was looted from the national treasury during Marcos's twenty years in power.

Correspondents say the return of the money could affect claims by other countries -- including Pakistan and Zaire - for the return of money deposited in Swiss banks by their former rulers.